Are Red Bull set to be red-faced in 2014?

To the cheers from the millions of non-Vettelians, who had become bored with him winning, it appears the streak of nine straight wins will not continue in Melbourne.

However that comment in itself fails to highlight the issues facing Sebastian and his team heading to Australia, so looking ahead to events at Albert Park are Red Bull about to be red-faced?

Well certainly if the problems are as bad as most fear. The team has had a woeful pre-season as the argumentative Renault V6 power unit has proven to be rather incompatible with the snug RB10.

Vettel and his new partner in crime Daniel Ricciardo have certainly had plenty of time to get to know every inch of their new ride – standing next to it in the garage, though they’ve certainly not had the time to see if it makes a good long distance cruiser.

For Red Bull the confidence of the past few years has visibly vanished in just 12 days of running with team boss Christian Horner, designer Adrian Newey and adviser Helmut Marko often seen putting on their very stern faces while talking to the bosses at Renault in the paddock.

It would be wrong to say that seeing the champions of the past four years in this position is in some way positive though what it does do is give some wearied fans a chance to see someone else win for a while – providing one man doesn’t do it too often – and it gives Red Bull the chance to prove some critics wrong.

This year was always going to be hard for Red Bull to at least maintain the domination of the past few seasons, the emphasis has switched away from aerodynamics, where the team has been so strong thanks to Newey, and onto the mechanical operation and development of the new V6 engines.

Perhaps then those Red Bull critics are feeling somewhat vindicated by claiming it was only a two-man team.

However, as the other Renault customers have proven, this is far from just a Red Bull-based problem, there are apparent fundamental issues with the Renault unit and its recovery systems that mean for it to be able to run for a decent length of time, it has to be kept well away from it’s permitted limits.

Of course the fact that the overheating issues appear more focused on Red Bull does mean that Newey – and his infamous need for tight aerodynamic bodies – has to take some of the blame but it will take the effort from both team and engine supplier before the problems are solved.

Though this would seem stupid to think that a four-time world champion, it also offers a chance for Vettel himself to answer his own haters.

Such has been the domination of his car during much of his time at the top of the sport, some still question just how good he really is.

The later rejected claim that he threw a tantrum in Jerez after seeing just how bad his new car was, certainly wouldn’t help that claim, however, it proves that despite all the success he is still very driven to win more races and more championships.

The fact he may be racing in the midfield for much of the early running also gives him the chance however to prove he is one of the great drivers on the grid.

As I say, some still like to promote the guy who collided with Webber in Turkey and did the same with Button at Spa in 2010, instead dismissing the guy who drove through the field in Abu Dhabi and Brazil in 2012 and pulled off a great move on the established ‘best on the grid’ Fernando Alonso at Monza that year too.

Perhaps if Vettel does start to seemingly outperform his car and prove he is more than just someone who can lead a race then that can help boost his approval among many fans who may just respect his achievements more than they do now.

One person however for whom Red Bull’s problems could likely do more harm than good is Daniel Ricciardo.

Those of you who follow me on Twitter (@BenIssatt for those who do not) will know that I am a Ricciardo fan, naturally I am delighted to see him get the chance to see what he can do alongside Vettel at what we all thought would be a championship contending team.

However looking at where Red Bull are heading into the season I can think of a comparison we all can relate too, because it happened last year.

When Sergio Perez moved to McLaren he was the next big thing making the move up to the front of the grid, next thing we know the team has its worst year in decades and Checo is kicked through the door.

If the Red Bull is a poor car and Ricciardo doesn’t have the results expected, even if he puts up a good fight against Vettel, I can foresee the Australian having the same fate. I hope I’m wrong and I hope my man has a great year but there is that niggle sat in the back of my mind.

Ultimately then to answer the question I asked at the start, ‘Will Red Bull be red faced’? Well certainly it’s not good for history’s sake, that in 20 years someone will look back and think as soon as the rules change the team went backwards.

However it is a situation that is not entirely their fault and offers them a chance to prove some doubters wrong by coming back, however fail to do so then yes the faces in Milton Keynes and Salzburg will be as red as their Bull.

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DISCLAIMER

This article has been written by a member of the GiveMeSport Writing Academy and does not represent the views of
GiveMeSport.com or SportsNewMedia. The views and opinions expressed are solely that of the author credited at the top of this article.
GiveMeSport.com and SportsNewMedia do not take any responsibility for the content of its contributors.

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